Synology is a network-attached storage device that helps you to manage your data profiles. DiskStation continues to provide exceptional solutions and a comprehensive guide for your data managemental problems. And I say problems because our devices and lifestyles just lend themselves to collecting a ton of data. Issues like sharing files, media management, storing important media, and minimizing the cost of backup queries and requests.
Maybe you’ve already dropped coin and got yourself a Synology DiskStation. Maybe you’re still on the fence and need a little nudge or a couple more logical reasons before buying one. Regardless, I’ve compiled a handful of my favorite tips, tricks, and uses of this awesome network-attached storage device.
Connected Remotely To Your NAS
Synology’s QuickConnect service allows you to connect your NAS anywhere with just one click, without having to mess around with port forwarding or setting up a username/password. Plus it works seamlessly in combination with almost all their mobile clients so that when I’m on the go, I have all of my favorite songs and media right at my fingertips! The QuickConnect feature also allows you to use an easy-to-remember (customizable + unique) name. For example, I only have to use dalerocks.quickconnect.me (this link doesn’t work so don’t try using it) to gain access via a web browser. Additionally, with any Synology App when you do the setup (Photos app, Drive app, etc.), you’ll be asked for your QuickConnect name and immediately it finds it and connects.
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There are a couple of ways to set up QuickConnect. You can do it during the initial configuration (which I highly recommend) or you can head to your Control Panel and select Quick Connect then General. You will need a Synology account so you can assign an ID to your NAS. From there you’ll be supplied (or you can create your own) with a unique URL to connect to your DiskStation.
NAS Backup
The best way to ensure your data doesn’t get lost is by setting up regular backups. If you don’t spend enough time doing this, then the next thing that will happen could be something as drastic and unexpected as hardware failure or something similar. I’m a big proponent of backing up my devices and use my NAS to do so frequently. In fact, it’s important to know that drives will fail and I even back up my NAS in case something happens.
LEARN MORE: What Is NAS?
There’s no better place for storing these vital copies than in an easily accessible location like NAS (Network-Attached Storage). With its high-speed connections and access from just about anywhere, it makes recovery quick & easy should anything go wrong. Backing up your smartphones on Synology is another really powerful hack that can free up a ton of storage on your device. I’ve stopped using Google Photo because of Synology’s Photo app that not only backs up all my family’s phone images almost immediately, but their AI will help to organize your photos based on facial ID, objects, or locations. I love this app!
Virtual Machine Access
The Synology DiskStation allows you to have smooth access to a virtual machine. These virtual machines are significant for the maintenance of different sorts of operating systems over your PC network. Essentially, you can effectively install these virtual machine managers and make them run for efficient data management activity. Furthermore, these VM managers are easily supported by all the versions of windows without any further concern.
What about running Docker containers on Synology NAS? Docker containers are a lightweight alternative for running applications on your Synology NAS. You should know that Synology NAS does have official support for Docker. I think they’re great because they require less memory and system resources. If you don’t have enough memory for a virtual machine, you can run a Docker container. Personally, I use a Docker container to run my CrashPlan backup which gives me unlimited backup space for $10 a month.
Create Your Own Personal Streaming Service
You’ll need the help of Plex on this one. The media streaming service, Plex has been around for quite some time now. It’s powerful and easy-to-use offering an unlimited number of features at no cost! One of my favorite hacks with my Synology Diskstation is connecting it to Plex where I can store virtually all of my media to stream on-demand. And no worries, you don’t have to be a tech wizard to set this up. There is a manual and an automated method for installing Plex Media Server on your Synology NAS. This is one of the best tutorials on how to do that.
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Host Your Own Website
Do you want to host a small family website inside your LAN or perhaps create an online journal for the outside world? Most people would need to hunt down reliable web hosting services and pay monthly fees, but all this can be done on Synology NAS servers without any cost at all. I wouldn’t recommend hosting a website if you plan on having a lot of traffic or want to provide a shopping site. But the option to host your own website is there with Synology’s DiskStation.
Leverage Synology’s Mobile Apps
Synology has a ton of mobile apps available for Android and iOS, allowing you to back up data (as we’ve seen above) or stream media. These apps are free of charge (although there are some that require a subscription). There’s DS Video and Video Station for streaming your media to any device. DS Photo and Photo Station allow you to back up all your photo files and immediately access them from a computer or phone.
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With photos becoming more of a memory hog on our smartphones (we take more photos + camera phones are better and they require more space), DS Photo is a must-have. The interface and organization are phenomenal as well. If you are into smart home automation and have a home security system with an IP camera, DS Cam and Surveillance Station will allow you to view image and video files from your home security network. You’ll need an extra license for this and a supported IP camera (Synology is compatible with about 7K+ security cameras), but it does work smoothly. Looking for a VPN solution to connect to home while traveling? Synology has you covered
Don’t Have A Synology DiskStation Yet?
If you haven’t figured it out by now, I really love this technology. If I find something new that I can find a use for, I’ll get it. Technology should make our lives easier. They should save us time, save us money, and reduce effort on menial tasks. Do Synology’s NAS devices do that? If you know how to use them, absolutely! I’ve said quite a bit of Synology in this review and will continue to bang that drum for getting one of these amazing storage devices. So if you haven’t gotten one yet…what are you waiting for?
